Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole brings timeless, upscale comfort food to your family table—a legendary dish of creamy, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar, all crowned with a signature golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping and toasted almonds. This iconic Southern chicken casserole, inspired by the famed Neiman Marcus Zodiac Room café at the legendary Neiman Marcus department store, delivers a perfect texture and flavor contrast that has made it a cherished potluck chicken casserole for generations. Our definitive guide provides the authentic Neiman Marcus chicken recipe, alongside expert tips and deep-dive comparisons to answer all your casserole questions. If you love comforting, crowd-pleasing dinners, explore our collection of easy casserole recipes for more inspiration.
What Is Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole? Understanding This Classic Dish
So, what is the Neiman Marcus casserole? It is a decadent, baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, a rich and creamy chicken casserole base made from sour cream and cream of chicken soup, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and slivered almonds, all topped with a crunchy, buttery crust of crushed Ritz crackers. It’s the epitome of a famous chicken casserole that feels both gourmet and deeply comforting.
It’s important to distinguish this savory masterpiece from the “Neiman Marcus cake,” which is a separate, well-known dessert. This casserole stands in a league of its own as the ultimate chicken bacon casserole.
Neiman Marcus vs. The World’s Best Casseroles
When people ask, “What’s the best casserole?” or “Which is the best chicken dish in the world?” they’re often seeking the ultimate comfort food. While taste is subjective, the Neiman Marcus casserole is a top contender due to its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let’s see how it compares to other famous casseroles.
| Feature | Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole | Million Dollar Chicken Casserole | John Wayne Casserole |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defining Ingredients | Chicken, cream soup, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, slivered almonds, Ritz cracker topping | Chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, Ritz cracker topping | Ground beef, onions, peppers, cheese, biscuit base |
| Flavor Profile | Rich, creamy, savory with smoky bacon & nutty almonds | Extremely creamy, tangy, and rich | Hearty, savory, and Southwestern-inspired |
| Texture | Creamy filling with a double crunch from crackers & almonds | Uniformly creamy with a single crispy layer | Meaty, chunky, and cheesy with a biscuit crust |
| Why It’s “Famous” | Inspired by the upscale Neiman Marcus cafe | Name implies it’s “worth a million bucks” in flavor | Named after the iconic film star; hearty family meal |
You might also wonder about the most Googled casserole recipe or the most popular casserole at Southern Living. While green bean casserole and hashbrown casserole often top those lists, the Neiman Marcus casserole holds a special place as a famous chicken casserole with a luxurious pedigree. For historical context, the oldest known casserole is a centuries-old concept of cooking meat and grains in a single pot, while Jackie Kennedy’s casserole was a distinct ground beef and tater tot dish.
What Makes It a “Million Dollar” Casserole?
You may have heard of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole and wondered how it compares. What is million dollar chicken? It’s an incredibly rich casserole that gets its name from the luxurious combination of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream, creating a flavor so decadent it feels “worth a million dollars.” Why is it called million dollar chicken? The term “million dollar” in recipes is a marketing term used to signify a dish is exceptionally delicious and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—a culinary jackpot.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Casserole: The Four Key Components
Whether you’re making this dish or any other, understanding the structure is key. What are the four components to a casserole?
- 1. The Protein: In this recipe, it’s the rotisserie chicken, providing lean, flavorful substance.
- 2. The Binder/Sauce: The creamy mixture of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheese that holds everything together.
- 3. The Vegetables/Add-Ins: This includes the green onions, slivered almonds, and bacon for flavor and texture complexity.
- 4. The Topping: The iconic, crunchy Ritz cracker topping that provides the essential textural contrast.
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Ingredients
This easy chicken casserole uses simple, high-quality ingredients to create its legendary flavor. What ingredients do you need for a casserole like this? Here’s your shopping list:
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose & Notes |
| Shredded rotisserie chicken | 3 cups | Provides ease and deep flavor; the best protein base. |
| Cream of chicken soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) | Creates the creamy, savory binder for the casserole. |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | Adds tangy richness to the sour cream chicken bake. |
| Shredded sharp cheddar cheese | 1 ½ cups | Delivers melty, sharp flavor in this cheddar chicken casserole. |
| Cooked bacon, crumbled | 6 slices | Adds a smoky, crispy element to the chicken bacon casserole. |
| Sliced green onions | ½ cup | Provides a fresh, sharp contrast to the rich ingredients. |
| Slivered almonds, toasted | 1 cup | Offers a nutty crunch and is essential for the classic almond chicken casserole flavor. |
| Ritz crackers, crushed | 1 sleeve | Forms the iconic, buttery chicken casserole topping. |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 5 tbsp | Binds the cracker crumbs for a perfectly crispy cracker crust casserole. |
| Frozen peas (optional) | 1 cup | Adds color and a sweet vegetable note. |
Step-by-Step: How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Shred the rotisserie chicken, cook and crumble the bacon, slice the green onions, and toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant. Toasting the almonds is a chef’s secret to unlocking their full, nutty flavor.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, most of the crumbled bacon, the green onions, and the toasted slivered almonds. This is the base of your creamy chicken casserole. Mix gently until everything is well combined. This is the time to ask, what’s the secret to a flavorful casserole? Seasoning every layer! Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the creamy chicken mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. This creates an extra cheesy layer beneath the topping.
Step 4: Create the Iconic Ritz Cracker Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. This is what creates the irresistible, golden, and buttery chicken casserole crust. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the entire casserole.
Step 5: Bake to Golden-Brown Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the Ritz cracker topping is a beautiful golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with the remaining bacon crumbles and additional sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
The Secret to a Flavorful Casserole & Perfect Chicken
So, what’s the secret to a flavorful casserole? It’s building depth at every step:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s already seasoned and juicy, adding more flavor than plain boiled chicken.
- Toast Your Almonds: This simple step unlocks a deep, nutty flavor that raw almonds can’t provide.
- Season Every Layer: Don’t just rely on the saltiness of the bacon and cheese. Taste your filling and season with salt and pepper before baking.
And what is the best way to season chicken for a casserole? For this recipe, using a well-seasoned rotisserie chicken is the ultimate hack. If you’re cooking your own chicken, season it generously with salt, pepper, and perhaps a bit of garlic powder before cooking and shredding.
Nutrition & Health Information
This is a rich, comforting dish, and understanding its nutritional profile helps you enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 485 kcal | 24% |
| Protein | 32 g | 64% |
| Fat | 28 g | 36% |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g | 60% |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g | 9% |
| Fiber | 2 g | 7% |
| Sugar | 6 g | 12% |
| Sodium | 980 mg | 43% |
Recipe Variations & Adaptations
| Variation | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lighter Version | Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, low-fat cheese, and turkey bacon. | Health-conscious meals |
| Gluten-Free Version | Use gluten-free cream soup and gluten-free crackers for the topping. | Those with gluten sensitivities |
| Vegetable-Packed | Add a cup of frozen peas, chopped broccoli, or spinach to the filling. | Boosting nutrition and color |
| Different Crunch | Swap almonds for pecans or walnuts, or use panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz. | Allergy-friendly or simply for variety |
Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Crush Crackers Properly: Place Ritz crackers in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for the perfect texture—not too fine, not too chunky.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.
- Freeze for Later: This quick-prep chicken casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set, ensuring clean slices when serving.
What is the Neiman Marcus casserole?
The Neiman Marcus casserole is a famous, creamy baked dish inspired by the recipes served in the Neiman Marcus department store café. It features shredded chicken, a rich sauce of sour cream and cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, bacon, and slivered almonds, all topped with a buttery, crunchy crust made from Ritz crackers.
What’s the best casserole to buy?
While you can’t typically buy the authentic Neiman Marcus casserole pre-made, the ‘best’ store-bought casseroles are often found at local high-quality grocery stores or specialty food shops. However, nothing compares to the flavor of a homemade version, where you can control the quality of ingredients like the rotisserie chicken and real cheddar cheese.
Which casserole dish is best?
For this recipe, a 9×13 inch glass or ceramic baking dish is ideal. Glass and ceramic distribute heat evenly, leading to a perfectly cooked filling and a uniformly golden-brown Ritz cracker topping.
What are the 4 ingredients in a simple chicken casserole?
A very basic 4-ingredient chicken casserole might include: cooked chicken, a can of cream of chicken soup, a cup of sour cream, and a topping of shredded cheese or crushed crackers. The Neiman Marcus recipe is a more decadent and elaborate version of this simple formula.
What ingredients do I need for a chicken casserole?
For a classic chicken casserole like this, you need a protein (chicken), a creamy binder (soup, sour cream), cheese, flavorful add-ins (bacon, onions, almonds), and a crispy topping (buttered crackers).
Can I make this without almonds?
Absolutely. If you have a nut allergy or simply don’t care for almonds, you can omit them. The casserole will still be delicious, though you’ll miss the distinctive nutty crunch they provide.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
Buttery crackers like Saltines or Club crackers work well. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers. You could also use panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, though the flavor will be different.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, it’s an excellent freezer meal. Assemble the casserole completely but do not bake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a legendary comfort casserole: creamy chicken, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, and almonds under a golden Ritz cracker topping—an iconic dish inspired by the Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus.
Ingredients
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
½ cup sliced green onions
1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare all ingredients.
2. Mix chicken, soup, sour cream, cheddar (1 cup), bacon (most), green onions, almonds in a large bowl. Season.
3. Spread mixture in greased 9×13-inch dish. Top with remaining cheddar.
4. Combine Ritz crackers and melted butter; sprinkle over the top.
5. Bake uncovered 25–30 min until bubbly and golden. Broil for extra crisp if desired.
6. Rest 5–10 min, garnish with remaining bacon and green onions, and serve.
Notes
Toast almonds for maximum flavor.
Use rotisserie chicken for best texture and flavor.
Swap almonds for pecans/walnuts or add peas, spinach.
Freeze unbaked casserole up to 3 months; thaw before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Chicken Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous piece
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: neiman marcus casserole, chicken casserole, Ritz cracker topping, comfort food, bacon almond casserole
Final Thoughts on Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
The Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary heirloom. It represents a time when comfort food was crafted with care and a touch of sophistication. This famous chicken casserole continues to win over new generations with its undeniable appeal—a perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy, crunchy, and savory in every single bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to become a cherished tradition in your home.
Last Updated: November 14, 2025 | Classic comfort food perfected for modern kitchens.
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